Will a Facelift Achieve Your Facial Rejuvenation Goals?

Facelift surgery (rhytidectomy) is a transformative procedure designed to reverse the signs of aging and restore a more youthful facial appearance. While facelift surgery alone can achieve remarkable results, combining it with other facial plastic surgeries can provide even more comprehensive rejuvenation. In this blog, we’ll explore what a facelift can accomplish as well as its limitations and discuss the benefits of adding one or more other facial procedures to achieve optimal results.

4 Min Read:

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure designed to correct visible signs of facial aging by tightening loose skin, lifting underlying tissues, eliminating jowls, and adding volume where needed to restore youthful facial contours and smooth out deep wrinkles and creases.

Facelift Procedure Overview

General anesthesia is typically administered for facelift surgery, after which incisions are made within the hairline and around the natural ear folds to minimize visible scarring.

The skin and tissues are then carefully repositioned and tightened, excess skin is removed, and the incisions are closed with sutures.

Depending on the extent of correction needed, additional techniques such as fat grafting or muscle tightening may be incorporated to achieve optimal results.

Benefits of Facelift Surgery

Facelift surgery offers numerous benefits for individuals seeking to rejuvenate their appearance and turn back the clock on aging. Some of what facelift surgery can achieve include:

• Tightening Sagging Skin: Facelift surgery lifts and tightens sagging skin effectively in the mid to lower face for younger-looking facial contours.

• Smoothing Wrinkles and Folds: Facelift surgery can smooth out deep folds and wrinkles, particularly nasolabial folds and marionette lines, by repositioning the skin and underlying tissues.

• Restoring Facial Volume: In addition to lifting and tightening the skin, facelift surgery can address volume loss in the cheeks and midface by repositioning fat and muscle or using fat grafting techniques.

• Enhancing Jawline Definition: Facelift surgery can improve the definition of the jawline by correcting hanging jowls.

• Long-lasting Results: While facelift surgery cannot stop facial aging, the results can last a decade or more, providing long-lasting rejuvenation and improved self-confidence.

Limitations of Facelift Surgery

While facelift surgery can achieve remarkable improvements in one’s facial appearance, it’s essential to recognize its limitations.

• Limited Correction of Fine Lines and Surface Irregularities: While facelift surgery can smooth out deep folds and wrinkles, it does not address fine lines or surface irregularities such as sun damage or acne scars. Additional treatments, such as laser resurfacing or chemical peels, may be needed to achieve a smoother skin texture.
• Minimal Improvement in Eyelid and Brow Position: A facelift primarily targets the lower two-thirds of the face but offers minimal improvement, if any, to the eyelids, brows, or forehead. Patients with significant drooping or sagging in the brow or eyelid area may benefit from combining facelift surgery with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) or brow lift surgery for more comprehensive rejuvenation.
• Incomplete Correction of Neck Concerns: Facelift surgery typically includes a neck lift, but patients should discuss their aesthetic neck goals with their surgeon. For those with significant neck laxity or excess fat, ensure a neck lift will also be performed.

Advantages of Combining Facial Plastic Surgeries

When facelift surgery alone will not fully address the individual’s facial aging concerns or achieve optimal results, adding other facial plastic surgeries provides enhanced rejuvenation and comprehensive correction. Some of the key benefits of combining facial procedures include:

• Addressing Multiple Concerns: Simultaneously: Combining facelift surgery with procedures such as eyelid, brow, or neck lift surgery allows for comprehensive correction of multiple aging concerns in a single surgical session.
• Achieving Harmonious Results: By addressing multiple areas of the face and neck simultaneously, patients can enjoy more balanced and natural-looking results that are balanced with their other facial aesthetics.
• Maximizing the Longevity of Results: Combining facelift surgery with complementary facial procedures can enhance the longevity of results by providing more comprehensive rejuvenation and reducing the need for additional procedures in the future.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: Each individual has unique aging concerns and aesthetic goals. By combining facial procedures, treatment plans can be significantly more personalized to address the patient’s unique needs. Skilled facial plastic surgeons can customize treatment approaches to meet each patient’s expectations and deliver natural-looking rejuvenation.

Combining Your Facelift With Other Facial Procedures in Pasadena, CA

Facelift surgery is a powerful tool for rejuvenating the face and offers remarkable improvements in appearance and self-confidence. While facelift surgery alone can achieve significant results, combining it with other facial plastic surgeries such as eyelid surgery, brow lift surgery, or neck lift surgery can enhance facial rejuvenation, provide comprehensive correction, and restore confidence.

Dr. Vincent Hung is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with two locations in Southern California. Call 626-432-5032 to schedule a cosmetic facial consultation at our Pasadena office.

To reach our Newport Beach location, call 949-574-8292.

 

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 12th, 2024 | Posted in Facelift.

When successfully treated, skin cancer often necessitates reconstruction to restore the appearance and function of the affected areas. Various techniques are employed based on the location and extent of the damage the cancer has caused. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the cosmetic reconstruction methods commonly used after skin cancer treatment on the nose, lips, ears, eyelids, extremities, and scalp. We will also provide information on Mohs surgery to treat the cancer itself.

4 Min Read:

Treating Skin Cancer With Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery is an advanced surgical approach to remove cancerous tissue from the skin. This method offers superior cancer removal results while preserving an optimal amount of healthy tissue, contributing to less scarring and more ideal outcomes after reconstruction or natural healing.

Nose and Lips Reconstruction

The following techniques are most effective for the reconstruction of the nose and lips:

• Direct linear closure: For smaller defects on the nose or lips, direct linear closure is often preferred and involves stitching the edges of the wound together to minimize scarring and maintain natural contours.
• Local flaps: Larger defects may require local flaps. This method involves repositioning nearby tissue with a similar blood supply to cover the affected area. This approach preserves the aesthetic harmony of the nose or lips.
• Distant flaps: In cases where local tissue is insufficient, distant flaps can be used. This technique involves obtaining tissue from a different area of the body while maintaining blood supply to ensure effective coverage for more significant defects.
• Skin grafts: A skin graft may be employed in some instances, especially when tissue loss is extensive. This procedure involves taking a piece of skin from a donor site elsewhere on the body and placing it over the treatment area. Skin grafts can be successful for nasal and lip reconstruction.

Ear Reconstruction

Reconstructing the ear after skin cancer entails the two-step process described below:

• Cartilage and skin grafts: Ear reconstruction typically involves using cartilage grafts to rebuild the structural framework and skin grafts to provide coverage. This combination restores both the shape and outer appearance of the ear.

Eyelid Reconstruction

Two options can be used to reconstruct eyelids:

• Margin skin grafts: After skin cancer excision from the eyelid, margin skin grafts involve taking a graft from the remaining eyelid margins to cover the defect. This technique is precise and aims to maintain the natural eyelid contour.
• Hughes flap: In cases where the defect is more complex, a Hughes flap may be utilized. This involves transferring tissue from the upper eyelid to reconstruct the lower eyelid. The Hughes flap ensures a functional and aesthetically pleasing outcome.

Extremities Reconstruction

For the reconstruction of extremities, natural healing or skin grafts may be employed:

• Split-thickness skin grafts from the thigh: Extremity wounds can be addressed with split-thickness skin grafts harvested from the thigh. This method involves taking a thin layer of skin and placing it over the wound site, where it can adhere to promote healing.
• Natural healing or granulation: Natural healing or granulation may be encouraged in some cases, particularly for smaller wounds on the extremities. This means letting the wound heal on its own and is suitable for wounds with sufficient surrounding tissue.

Scalp Reconstruction

Following skin cancer on the scalp, wounds can also sometimes heal naturally or may require reconstruction:

• Natural healing: Natural healing is often a viable option for superficial wounds on the scalp. The scalp’s rich blood supply contributes to effective healing, and minimal intervention may be required.
• Flaps and skin grafts: In cases where wounds are deeper or more extensive, flaps or skin grafts may be employed for scalp reconstruction. This ensures adequate coverage and promotes optimal healing.

Cosmetic reconstruction after skin cancer involves a range of sophisticated techniques tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Direct linear closure, local flaps, distant flaps, and skin grafts are essential tools for reconstructing facial features, while cartilage and skin grafts prove effective for ear reconstruction.

Eyelid defects benefit from margin skin grafts and Hughes flaps, while extremities may be treated with split-thickness skin grafts or natural healing. Depending on the extent of the damage, scalp wounds can be addressed through natural healing, flaps, or skin grafts.

The key to successful reconstruction lies in the collaboration between skilled surgeons and patients, ensuring both functional and cosmetic restoration.

Expert Reconstruction After Skin Cancer in Pasadena, CA

Dr. Vincent Hung is a highly respected, triple-board-certified plastic surgeon providing Mohs surgery and reconstruction in Pasadena, California. Check out the extensive credentials that make him the best choice for either procedure here, then call our Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032.

If Newport Beach is more convenient for you, Dr. Hung also has an office there, which can be reached by calling (949) 574-8292.

 

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024 | Posted in Mohs Surgery.

Liposuction has become the most sought-after surgical cosmetic treatment in the world because it can improve almost anyone’s physique or figure.

This procedure has seen such a significant rise in popularity because it offers an easy way to sculpt the body by removing stubborn, unwanted fat in several areas.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), liposuction procedures were performed 325,669 times in the United States alone. Its popularity extends globally, with similar trends in many other countries.

Areas Liposuction Can Treat

One of the reasons liposuction is so popular is its versatility. This procedure can remove stubborn fat in the following areas, from the top to bottom of your body:

• Chin
• Neck
• Chest
• Upper Arms
• Upper and Lower Abdomen
• Waist
• Hips
• Buttocks
• Thighs
• Knees
• Ankles

Of these areas, the waist, belly, hips, buttocks, and thighs are the most commonly treated with liposuction. However, enlarged breast tissue in men (gynecomastia) can be treated with this procedure, and many plastic surgeons are using fat grafting, which requires liposuction, for natural breast enhancement and the Brazilian butt lift.

When more correction is needed to recontour the body, liposuction is often used along with abdominoplasty for the best results.

Liposuction is also often combined with a breast augmentation, breast lift surgery, or reduction for a Mommy Makeover.

Benefits of Liposuction

Liposuction offers several benefits, with these five topping the list:

1. Targeted body contouring: Liposuction effectively removes localized fat deposits to provide contouring and shaping in areas resistant to diet and exercise.
2. Fast results: While some swelling is expected, noticeable improvements in body contours are often visible shortly after the procedure.
3. Less invasive: Liposuction is less invasive than other surgical body contouring methods, such as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).
4. Shorter Recovery Period: While recovery from abdominoplasty can require two months or more, liposuction takes only two to four weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure.
5. Boost in self-confidence: Achieving a more proportionate body can significantly enhance self-esteem and confidence.

How to Know if You’re a Good Candidate for Liposuction

The liposuction process begins with a personal, in-depth consultation. Choose a reputable plastic surgeon who can thoroughly evaluate your medical history and desired outcome to determine the suitability of liposuction for your needs.

The best candidates for liposuction are healthy non-smokers with good skin elasticity who have realistic expectations for the procedure.

Liposuction Procedure Overview

The procedure may be performed under local or general anesthesia. Once the appropriate anesthetic is administered, tiny incisions are made in the targeted areas.

A thin tube called a cannula is inserted through these incisions to loosen and suction out the unwanted excess fat.

When fat removal is complete, the incisions are closed, and you are monitored in a recovery area. You will be placed in a compression garment to aid in healing and reduce swelling.

The Limits of Liposuction

The popularity of liposuction is tied to its ability to provide significant body contouring improvements less invasively. While the procedure offers numerous benefits, you should weigh its limitations and undergo a thorough consultation to determine if it is the right option for you.

Each individual’s case is unique, so consulting a qualified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Hung, is crucial for personalized guidance and to address specific concerns regarding liposuction.

• Compared to abdominoplasty, which can remove belly fat, tighten loose skin, repair separated core muscles, and remove stretchmarks, liposuction is designed only to remove stubborn pockets of fat.
• Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss, and a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and exercise, is required to maintain results.
• Although rare, liposuction carries certain risks, such as infection and bleeding, which accompany any surgical procedure.
• Liposuction also involves a recovery period. While typically much shorter than that of a tummy tuck, you will need to arrange between one and two weeks to rest before returning to work or your regular activities.

Liposuction in Pasadena, CA

Dr. Vincent Hung is a highly experienced plastic surgeon serving patients from Newport Beach to Pasadena, California. His entire team is dedicated to helping individuals achieve the aesthetic goals they desire, and we welcome you to schedule a consultation. To learn more about liposuction, call 626-432-5032 today.

This entry was posted on Friday, November 17th, 2023 | Posted in Liposuction.

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a popular surgical procedure that can help individuals achieve a firmer, more toned abdomen.

However, this surgery is not for everyone. Ask yourself the following questions to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for abdominoplasty:

What Are Your Desired Body Contouring Goals?

Having clear aesthetic goals is critical in deciding if abdominoplasty is suitable for you. If you’ve tried diet and exercise with limited success, a tummy tuck might be a good solution. This procedure can improve your midsection in the following ways:

• Eliminate loose skin and stretch marks
• Remove stubborn fat
• Repair separated abdominal muscles
• Recontour the abdominal area for a flatter tummy and waist

Do You Have the Time and Support Needed for a Positive Tummy Tuck Recovery?

Before undergoing a tummy tuck, you’ll need to make the following arrangements:

• Time off work- Two weeks is typical.
• Help around the house- You will need assistance with daily chores and childcare for the first two to three days.
• Ability to comply with your post-surgical instructions- Getting plenty of rest and avoiding strenuous activities as directed by your surgeon is essential for the best results and to lower your risk of complications.

Are You in Good Overall Health?

Candidates for abdominoplasty should be in good general health. Chronic medical conditions should be well-managed, and your surgeon will likely require a medical evaluation to ensure no significant risks to your well-being.

Are You a Non-Smoker or Willing to Quit?

Smoking can impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Most surgeons will require candidates to quit smoking several weeks before and after the procedure. Alcohol consumption should also be limited.

Are You at or Close to Your Ideal Weight?

Being at a stable weight is essential to be a good candidate for a tummy tuck. Significant fluctuations in weight can negatively impact the results of the procedure, so it’s best to be at or near your target weight before considering surgery.

Do You Expect To Experience a Future Pregnancy?

Abdominoplasty is often sought by individuals who have undergone pregnancy or substantial weight loss, as it can address loose skin and muscle separation caused by these changes.

However, if you plan to become pregnant in the next few years, you’ll want to consider postponing this procedure. Tummy tuck surgery is typically recommended for women who have completed their families or don’t plan to have biological children in the future.

Do You Have Realistic Expectations for Your Tummy Tuck Results?

It’s essential to have realistic expectations about what abdominoplasty can achieve. While it can provide a flatter and more toned abdomen, it’s not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle or extreme weight loss.

Are You Emotionally Stable?

It’s essential to have a positive self-image and emotional support system. Cosmetic surgery can enhance your confidence but is not a good option when deep emotional or psychological issues exist.

Do You Have the Motivation Needed to Maintain Results?

A healthy lifestyle will contribute immensely to the success of this procedure. Candidates should be committed to maintaining their results through a balanced diet and regular exercise, as these factors play a crucial role in the longevity of tummy tuck outcomes.

Can Liposuction Provide the Contouring Results You Desire?

If your abdominal skin is not loose, and you are primarily concerned with diet and exercise-resistant pockets of fat on your belly or elsewhere, liposuction may be a better choice.

This less-invasive procedure can recontour almost any area of your body and involves a much shorter recovery period.

Schedule Your Pasadena Tummy Tuck Consultation

Abdominoplasty can be a life-changing procedure for those who meet the qualifications. To determine if you’re a suitable candidate, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Vincent Hung to evaluate your eligibility.

He will listen carefully to your concerns and goals to provide the guidance you need to determine if a tummy tuck is right for you.

If you are interested in combining your tummy tuck with other procedures for comprehensive body rejuvenation or Mommy Makeover, Dr. Hung offers several options:

• Breast Enhancement
• Breast Lifts
• Body Contouring With Liposuction

Call our Pasadena, California, plastic surgery office at 626-432-5032 to schedule your consultation. We also have a Newport Beach location if this is more convenient for you.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023 | Posted in Tummy Tuck.

When it comes to skin rejuvenation procedures, caring for your skin after the treatment can have almost as much impact as the treatment itself. 

Laser peels, while effective, have an intense effect on your skin, so you should go into the procedure armed with as much knowledge about post-treatment skin care as possible. 

Laser peels offer a safe and effective way to improve the skin’s texture and appearance. With the ability to address a wide array of skin concerns, laser peels performed by Dr. Hung guarantee a precision treatment with impressive results. 

What Is a Laser Peel?

Also known as laser skin resurfacing, a laser peel delivers targeted laser energy deep into your skin. The laser gently heats the underlying facial tissue, causing microscopic injuries under the dermal layer. When your body detects these injuries, it goes into healing mode by stimulating collagen production. 

The increase in collagen helps to improve several skin concerns, including: 

• Fine lines and wrinkles, including in the delicate area around your eyes  
• Scars from acne or other injuries
• Age spots
• Uneven skin tone
• Mildly sagging skin
• Rough or uneven skin texture

The treatment typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, and once your skin has healed, you’re left with a more youthful complexion that is smoother and tighter.

How Long Does It Take to Heal After a Laser Peel?

Depending on the type of laser used and the depth of your treatment, recovery after a laser peel can take anywhere from three days to three weeks. 

You may experience some side effects, including swelling, redness, and burning, but these are typically mild and resolve within a few days. 

Do’s and Don’ts of Healing After a Laser Peel

Dr. Hung will provide detailed instructions to care for your face post-treatment. 

Following his instructions to the letter is essential to ensure you receive the best possible results from your laser peel. To help you care for your skin, encourage healing, and boost the effectiveness of your treatment, we’ve compiled our top tips for maximizing your results after a laser peel.

DO Gently Cleanse Your Skin Daily 

After your laser peel, you’ll want to wait about 12 hours before washing your face. When you wash your face, use the gentlest cleanser you can find. Avoid anything with enzymatic acids, exfoliants, retinol, or other anti-aging ingredients. 

Rinse with warm water (not hot) and pat dry. Do not scrub or rub your skin. 

DO Use Ice or Cold Compresses 

After your laser peel, your face will be red and feel warm — as if you had a sunburn — and it may be a bit swollen. 

Use ice packs or a cold compress on your face to alleviate these common side effects. Not only will the coolness alleviate your discomfort, but it will also help the healing process. 

Keeping your face cool also means avoiding heat exposure. Stay away from hot showers, baths, saunas, and hot tubs. Strenuous exercise should also be put on hold temporarily. 

Too much heat causes your pores to open, leaving your tender skin vulnerable to bacteria and irritation. 

DO Avoid the Sun

After a laser peel, your skin will be especially sensitive to the sun. Exposing your skin to UV rays can affect your results, causing potentially irreversible hyperpigmentation. 

Stay inside and away from harmful UV rays for at least the first week after your peel, and if you go outside for any reason, apply sunscreen. Exposure to the sun, no matter how little, can impede the healing process and cause irritation and inflammation in your skin. 

DON’T Go Overboard With Skin Care Products

Many people have a skin care regimen that includes exfoliants, toners, serums, and moisturizers full of anti-aging and active ingredients. 

While this is a great way to keep your skin looking gorgeous and youthful, you must keep it simple during your laser peel recovery. Your skin needs to breathe as it heals, so the most you should be doing is using a gentle cleanser and a lightweight moisturizer.  

DON’T Pick at Your Skin

Depending on the intensity of your treatment and the type of laser used, you may experience peeling after your procedure. DO NOT pick at or peel your skin. 

After a laser peel, your skin’s barrier is compromised, making your skin more susceptible to bacteria and other microbes that the barrier typically protects against. Not only does picking and peeling potentially open your skin up to infection, but it can also slow the healing process and leave lasting scars. 

DON’T Forget Sunscreen

Have we mentioned the importance of sunscreen after a laser peel? It bears repeating because post-treatment skin is especially vulnerable to the effects of UV rays. 

Apply sunscreen if you go outside for any reason, even just to go from your home to your car. You might even be extra cautious and wear it inside because UV rays can penetrate most windows. Use a mineral sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply as needed. 

Learn More About Laser Peels in Pasadena

When you choose to undergo a laser treatment by Dr. Hung, you can rest assured that you’re getting the highest quality care from a skilled and knowledgeable surgeon. To learn more about laser peels or to schedule a consultation, call 626-432-5032 or fill out the online contact page.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 | Posted in Laser Peel.

5 Minute Read:

Mohs surgery is one of the most effective and least invasive methods for treating many forms of skin cancer. Yet, Mohs surgery is still surgery, and it will leave scarring. For some, this will be small; for others, it can be significant. It all comes down to the size of the skin cancer, the type of cancer, and how much tissue needs to be taken.

And while skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body, it often develops on the face and neck. This is because these areas are the most exposed to the sun.

One of the most common areas to develop skin cancer is the nose. And since the nose is central to your face, reconstruction following Mohs surgery must be handled delicately to ensure the best cosmetic result possible.

Below, we’ll explore Mohs surgery, especially on the nose, and how nose reconstruction can help you achieve a cancer-free, beautiful nose.

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is a revolutionary approach to removing skin cancer. With Mohs surgery, the goal is to remove all cancer from the skin while preserving as much healthy skin tissue as possible.

For Mohs surgery, Dr. Hung will remove the cancerous tissue and a very thin rim of skin surrounding the tumor (the margin). This thin rim will be analyzed. If cancer is present, then another thin rim will be surgically removed and analyzed. This process will continue until all cancer cells are removed from the area, meaning the skin is cancer free.

In addition to being extremely successful with permanently removing cancerous tissue, Mohs surgery allows patients to keep the most healthy skin possible, limiting the size of resulting scars.

How Is Nose Reconstruction Performed?

While a scar is preferable to cancer on the skin, which can become aggressive and cause serious health concerns, many people still worry about what their scars will look like.

The good news is that nose reconstruction can be performed on women and men after Mohs surgery. Ultimately, nose reconstruction surgery aims to limit visible scarring and create a natural aesthetic.

To achieve optimal results, Dr. Hung has four different techniques to choose from, including:

• Direct linear closure, which takes two edges of the wound and creates a single closure to limit the extent of visible scarring
• Local flaps, which use surrounding skin to stretch and cover the open wound that was created during Mohs surgery
• Full-thickness skin graft, which uses a large skin graft taken from another part of the body to cover the wound on the nose
• Distant flaps, which use harvested skin from another part of the body (including the center of the forehead) to cover the wound; this graft is smaller in size than a full-thickness skin graft

The specific nose surgery technique depends on the extent of correction needed and the particular patient. During your consultation, Dr. Hung will evaluate your condition to create a surgical plan specific to you and your needs.

Why Choose Dr. Hung for Your Nose Reconstruction After Mohs Surgery?

Dr. Hung is one of only a few surgeons in the world who is triple-board certified in internal medicine, dermatology, and plastic surgery.

Because of his extensive education, knowledge, and experience, you can feel confident that Dr. Hung will dedicate himself and his talents to helping you achieve the appearance you desire. Additionally, because he performs Mohs surgery and nose reconstruction himself, Dr. Hung can approach both aspects of this procedure with a singular vision for your results.

Do You Have Questions?

If you want to learn more about skin cancer removal, Mohs surgery, and/or nose reconstruction, please contact Dr. Hung at his Pasadena office at 626-432-5032 or his Newport Beach office at 949-574-8292.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 25th, 2023 | Posted in Mohs Surgery, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.

5 Minute Read:

Plastic surgery can significantly transform your physical appearance and help you feel more comfortable and confident with how you look. Yet, with all of the available benefits, some women and men are hesitant because they fear the resulting scars.

While scarring is inevitable with any invasive surgical procedure, there are ways to minimize the presence and appearance of these resulting scars. 

Below, we’ll explore some of the realities of plastic surgery scarring to help you better understand what to expect.

What Kind of Scarring Will You Have After Your Procedure?

The location, size, and type of post-surgical scarring depend entirely on the specific procedure you are undergoing and the extent of that procedure. 

Below are three of the most common plastic surgery procedures and what kinds of scarring you can expect:

Facelift

Facelift surgery helps correct age-related concerns on the mid and lower face (from the cheeks to the neck). With this procedure, facial tissue is tightened and lifted, excess and sagging skin is trimmed away, and the remaining skin is pulled tightly on the face to erase the presence of wrinkles and fine lines. 

With this procedure, incisions are made at the hairline near the temple. This incision runs down the profile of the face, behind the ears, and ends at the base of the scalp. 

While scarring will result from this procedure, Dr. Hung hides the incisions as much as possible in the hairline. 

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery) involves removing stubborn fat from the belly (with liposuction surgery), tightening abdominal muscles, removing excess skin, and then pulling the remaining skin tight to create a more contoured and defined midsection. This procedure is a fantastic option for women to correct aesthetic issues in the tummy after pregnancy and childbirth.

Depending on the extent of the tummy tuck performed, the incision for this procedure will be made across the abdomen, stretching from hip to hip. This incision is located just above the pubic area, which keeps the resulting scars hidden by underwear and bikini bottoms.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most popular procedures for women and improves the size, shape, and volume of the breasts using breast implants (either silicone implants or saline implants). 

This procedure is slightly different from other cosmetic procedures in that there are several options for incision locations. These options include the inframammary incision, which is located along the inframammary fold beneath the breast; the periareolar incision, which is located around the areola; and the transaxillary incision, which is located within the armpit. 

While the inframammary incision can be visible when naked, the resulting scar will largely be hidden within the breast crease. Similarly, with a periareolar incision, the resulting scar will be hidden by the natural contours of the areola. The transaxillary incision is the only incision of the three that keeps the resulting scar completely hidden, whether wearing a bra or naked.

However, it is important to note that the type of incision used depends on the extent of the procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Hung will evaluate your condition to determine which of these incision locations is right for you and your aesthetic goals.

How Can I Reduce the Appearance of Plastic Surgery Scars?

As mentioned above, Dr. Hung does everything he can to place incisions in inconspicuous areas. However, the simple truth is that no scar will be completely invisible. The good news, though, is that there are ways to minimize the appearance of these scars.

While it differs with each patient and procedure, most scars will fade over time, with the final appearance of your scarring setting in after one year. 

During this time, topical creams and silicone sheets can help improve the appearance of resulting scars — these work by keeping the scar and surrounding skin hydrated and healthy. One of the benefits of using silicone sheets is that they help protect the scar from external and environmental factors while limiting excess scar tissue from developing.

Another option is laser treatments. Fractional laser resurfacing with a CO₂ laser can help to reduce (and even erase) any unsightly scarring from your skin. 

However, it is vital to understand that scarring will result from any invasive procedure. But something to keep in mind is that the vast majority of patients look at these scars as a trade-off for the stunning and transformative results of their plastic surgery procedure.

Why Trust Dr. Hung With Your Procedure?

Dr. Vincent Hung is one of only a handful of doctors in the world who is triple board certified in internal medicine, dermatology, and plastic surgery. His credentials, knowledge, and experience allow him to help his patients achieve their aesthetic goals while minimizing any adverse results, including prominent scarring. 

Dr. Hung and his trusted staff make sure to put the patient’s health at the forefront of everything they do. From your consultation to your follow-up appointment, you can rest assured knowing that Dr. Hung is there to answer any questions and calm any of your concerns. And because he has a background in dermatology and skin care, Dr. Hung can provide you with ideas about how to minimize scars. 

Want to Learn More? 

If you have questions about how plastic surgery can benefit you, or if you want to learn more about how you can minimize the appearance of surgical scars after your cosmetic procedure in Southern California, please feel free to contact Dr. Hung at 626-432-5032 (Pasadena) or 949-574-8292 (Newport Beach).

This entry was posted on Monday, July 31st, 2023 | Posted in Plastic Surgery.

3 Minute Read: 

There’s no question about it: the word “cancer” is terrifying. And while any form of cancer is serious and requires immediate attention, the good news is that there are many ways to treat and stop skin cancer before it progresses to truly dangerous stages. 

One of the most successful treatments for skin cancer is Mohs surgery; however, many women and men do not fully understand what Mohs surgery is or how it can help treat skin cancer. 

Below, we’ll explore Mohs surgery by taking a look at how it’s performed and what you can expect (both before and after the procedure).

How Is Mohs Surgery Performed?

The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that over 3.3 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. Luckily, most cases of skin cancer are treatable and do not cause serious health risks, as long as they are detected and addressed early. This is one reason why regular self-checks of your skin are so important. 

Mohs surgery is one of the most effective and trusted treatments for removing skin cancer. With Mohs surgery, the thin layers of skin around the cancerous tissue is surgically removed. 

Once this skin is cut away, it is examined to see if there are any signs of cancerous cells. If so, additional thin layers of skin are removed and examined. This process is continued until there are no signs of cancer in the removed tissue, which signals cancer-free skin. 

What Are the Benefits of Mohs Surgery?

In addition to successfully removing cancerous cells from the body (thereby stopping the spread of cancer), Mohs surgery is effective with preserving as much healthy skin tissue as possible. 

Because the removal of skin around the cancer is so small, Dr. Hung can remove only the needed amount of skin. This process allows you to keep as much of your natural, healthy skin as possible, which is a major improvement to older skin cancer treatments. 

Other benefits of Mohs surgery include the fact that this procedure is performed under anesthesia (meaning that you will not feel any pain during the procedure), and most patients only need one Mohs surgery procedure to be free of their skin cancer. 

What Should You Expect After Your Mohs Surgery?

After your Mohs surgery, you will likely have some bruising, swelling, and discomfort in the surgical area. These side effects should dissipate within a week or two, and over-the-counter medication can be taken to alleviate any pain you may experience. You will be required to wear a bandage over the surgical area for the first several days; this bandage protects the sutures and promotes healing. While it is important that you refrain from strenuous activity until you are cleared by Dr. Hung, many patients are able to return to work and many of their normal, daily activities the day following their procedure. 

One of the biggest concerns that women and men have about Mohs surgery is scarring after their procedure. Because Mohs surgery requires the removal of skin from the body, scarring is inevitable. However, the extent (size and visibility) of the scar is dependent on various factors, including the location of the skin cancer, the amount of cancerous tissue removed, and the depth of the cancerous tissue. 

The good news is, Mohs surgery removes the cancerous tissue only, meaning that the resulting scar will be as small as possible. 

Skin reconstruction techniques can be performed to repair the area. When the cancer removal was small, the wound can often simply be closed; however, when larger, a skin graft may be necessary. 

Want to Learn More About Mohs Surgery? 

If you have questions about Mohs surgery in Southern California, including whether you are a candidate for this procedure, please feel free to contact Dr. Hung at 626-432-5032 (Pasadena) or 949-574-8292 (Newport Beach).

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 20th, 2023 | Posted in Mohs Surgery.

3 Minute Read: 

Congratulations — you’ve beaten skin cancer! That’s a feat all by itself and one to be celebrated by you and your loved ones. 

While your health is always the foremost priority, you may be left wondering about your reconstruction options following your skin cancer removal, whether it was performed using Mohs surgery or another removal option.

Even if your skin cancer is small (for instance, the size of a small mole), it can still leave a significant scar or open space (to account for cancer and a margin of healthy tissue). Because of this, reconstruction after skin cancer is available to address areas across your face and body.

The Damage Invasive Skin Cancer Can Do

Never put off seeing your doctor if you find a suspicious mole, mark, or discoloration. The sooner you receive treatment, the better.

Invasive skin cancer has penetrated deeper than the epidermis (top layer of skin), into surrounding healthy tissue.

Skin cancer lesions must be thoroughly excised (removed) along with a healthy margin of tissue to ensure no cancer traces remain in the area. Usually, no other treatment protocols are necessary.

Even though skin cancer can be easily treated if found early, it can spread, which may result in the need for more extensive cancer-related treatments.

Aftereffects of Skin Cancer Treatment 

Skin cancer treatment is life-saving. Always follow your doctor’s advice and actively participate in your treatment team. After all, removing the cancer and returning to good health is your priority.

When possible, an advanced technique called Mohs surgery is used to remove skin cancers. This minimally invasive procedure removes tissue layer by layer, pausing to examine the removed tissue for cancerous cells between each pass.

By removing the cancer this way, your surgeon can minimize the amount of healthy tissue removed. 

Occasionally, your surgeon may need a more aggressive removal method, resulting in a larger treatment area. This may require a more extensive form of reconstruction.

Regardless of the method used to remove your skin cancer, you must consider a reconstructive option. When the area is small, the skin can often simply be pulled together in a linear closure.

When the area is larger, you may need to consider more invasive reconstructive options like skin grafts.

What Areas of the Body Can Need Reconstruction After Invasive Skin Cancer?

Any area of the body can fall victim to skin cancer. Common areas that require reconstructive measures after cancer treatment include:

• The nose
• Areas around the eyes
• The lips
• The ears
• Anywhere on the scalp
• Anywhere on the extremities

Any place you have skin can develop skin cancer; however, areas exposed to the sun are more prone to cancer than areas usually hidden under clothing or hair.

How to Find a GREAT Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon

Finding the ideal reconstructive plastic surgeon takes just a few simple but important steps.

Look for a reconstructive surgeon who:

• Specializes in post-cancer plastic surgery
• Is board-certified in Mohs skin cancer surgery
• Can offer testimonials from previous patients who have had surgery at their center
• Is ready to answer all your questions and sit down with you for a consultation

Dr. Vincent Hung is highly experienced in Mohs surgery, skin reconstruction, and cosmetic surgery. With him, you can feel assured that your cancer will not only be removed but also achieve cosmetically appealing results.

Your Health and Happiness Depend on the Right Plastic Surgeon

Don’t skimp on the above requirements. You will want to be as comfortable as possible with the reconstructive surgeon you choose.

Your happiness and health are closely linked. You’ve beaten skin cancer, and now it’s time to celebrate that success with a look you can be happy with. The right plastic surgeon can get you there!

To learn more about the treatments offered by Dr. Hung, call our Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032, our Newport Beach office at (949) 574-8292, or fill out our online contact form.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 31st, 2023 | Posted in Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.

3 Minute Read: 

Several facial procedures are available to help women and men achieve contoured and youthful facial aesthetics, with facelift surgery being one of the most common and popular of these procedures. 

However, one of the biggest misconceptions in plastic surgery is that, despite its name, a facelift doesn’t actually address the entire “face.” Instead, a facelift only corrects the lower and midface (from the cheeks down to the neck). This means that aesthetic concerns in the upper face, including the areas around the eyes and on the forehead, cannot be addressed with a facelift alone. 

To address these areas, a facelift must be combined with other facial procedures as a comprehensive facelift. 

Below, we’ll take a look at these other procedures to help you see why combining procedures may be your best solution.

What Does a Facelift Do?

Facelift surgery is a procedure in which wrinkles, fine lines, and skin laxity on the lower two-thirds of the face are corrected. With this procedure, the underlying facial tissue and muscles are tightened, excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is pulled tight to give you the smoother, more youthful appearance you desire. 

Why Should I Consider Combining Procedures for a Comprehensive Facelift?

As mentioned above, a facelift only addresses the lower two-thirds of the face (from the cheeks to the neck). 

So, if you are looking to achieve a complete facial transformation, then a facelift alone is not going to be enough. 

By only correcting the lower and middle areas of the face, you risk creating an imbalance between your facial features, with a portion of your face looking younger and more rejuvenated than the other. 

Combining procedures into a comprehensive facelift can give you a more complete and balanced improvement.

What Other Procedures Can I Combine to My Facelift?

Blepharoplasty and brow lift surgery address age- and lifestyle-related concerns in the upper third of the face. 

Here are some details about each of these cosmetic procedures:

Blepharoplasty

Also known as eyelid surgery or an eyelid lift, blepharoplasty addresses cosmetic concerns in the upper and lower eyelids. 

Upper blepharoplasty can be performed to correct sagging skin in the upper eyelid, which can cause drooping eyelids and can even obstruct vision. Lower blepharoplasty can be performed to correct puffiness in the lower eyelid as well as dark circles and bags under the eyes. 

Some patients choose to combine upper and lower eyelid surgeries to achieve more youthful eyelids that help to highlight the natural beauty of their eyes. 

When combined with a facelift, blepharoplasty can help to accentuate your results.

Brow Lift 

Along with blepharoplasty, brow lift surgery (forehead lift) helps patients achieve a more youthful and balanced appearance when combined with a facelift procedure. 

Brow lift surgery addresses sagging skin in the eyebrows that can cause heavy and furrowed brows as well as wrinkles and lines on the forehead, which often make women and men look much older, tired, and angrier than they actually are.

In the End…

Facelift surgery is a fantastic cosmetic surgery if you want to improve the look of your face. However, if you desire a balanced and complete transformation to your entire face (including tighter, wrinkle-free skin), then a comprehensive facelift (which combines facelift surgery with either blepharoplasty, brow lift surgery, or both) is your best bet. 

After your comprehensive combination procedure, you can look forward to seeing your reflection in the mirror and smiling with confidence and pride at the face you see looking back.

Interested in Learning More? 

If you have questions about facial cosmetic procedures in Southern California, please feel free to contact Dr. Hung at 626-432-5032 (Pasadena) or 949-574-8292 (Newport Beach). 

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 11th, 2023 | Posted in Facelift, Facial Rejuvenation.